Milk chocolate, green apple, stone fruit, caramel
Hacienda Sonora is a vibrant natural-processed coffee from Costa Rica’s Central Valley, grown on the lush volcanic soils at the foot of Poás Volcano. Managed by Diego Guardia, the 100-hectare farm is a model of environmental stewardship and innovation, running entirely on renewable hydroelectric energy generated on-site—powering not only the farm and mill but also the homes of its workers.
Situated at 1,200 to 1,300 meters above sea level, Hacienda Sonora cultivates a diverse range of varieties including Catuai, Caturra, Marsellesa, Sarchimor, and SL28, spread across 45 hectares of shade-grown coffee trees interspersed with native forest. This promotes rich biodiversity and sustainable farming, supported by an additional 35-hectare forest reserve and a 150-year tradition of sugarcane cultivation.
The cherries are selectively handpicked, then dried naturally on raised beds or patios and processed on the farm’s own state-of-the-art micromill, allowing precise separation of lots by variety and process. The result is a series of carefully crafted micro-lots that highlight the clarity, balance, and sweetness Costa Rican coffee is known for.
Tasting Notes:
A comforting and complex cup with notes of milk chocolate, caramel, and stone fruit, lifted by the crisp acidity of green apple. With a score of 86.5, Hacienda Sonora offers not just excellent quality, but also a powerful story of sustainability, community empowerment, and climate-smart innovation—making it a standout in the world of specialty coffee.
